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Author: Emily Myers with Review Contributions from Rookie Mom’s Collaborators
Parenting a 3-year-old is honestly so much fun. They’re growing, on the move, and communicating more than ever. However, I know how hard it can be to keep toddlers entertained. When you are choosing toys for your 3 year old it’s important to select things that keep their attention, aid in their development, and get them eager to learn.
I have kept that in mind while creating this list of the best toys for 3 year old boys for the Rookie Moms Holiday Guide!
Best Toys for 3 Year Old Boys
We gathered up a bunch of rambunctious 3 year old boys to test out these toys (that was exhausting) and have determined the 15 best toys for 3 year old boys.
| Best Pretend Play | Pretend Play Construction Set |
| Best Imaginative Play | Rocket Ship Tent |
| Best Ride on Toy | Bumper Cars |
| Best Sports Toy | Vtech Sports Center |
| Best Outdoor Toy | Banana Bike |
| Most Unique Toy | Hide & Seek Silly Poopy |
Pretend Play Construction Set
Playing pretend is a fun way for children to follow after the adults and play, which is why the Play Construction Set is a great toy for 3-year-old boys. This tools set has an electric drill, safety glasses, hammer, and tape measure, everything any toolbox needs. The carrying case keeps everything together and adds to the realistic look. He will be featured on HGTV in no time!
LCD Writing Tablet Doodle Board
An LCD Writing Tablet is one of the best gifts for 3-year-old boys and this is a great option at a budget price! It will allow your little one to draw and color anytime, anywhere. It’s super easy to use, meaning your little one will catch on quickly.
There is also no need to worry about this tablet doodle board being dropped because it is made of hard plastic with an anti-shock design.
Toy Food Cutting Set
Another great pretend option is a pretend Food Cutting Set. Children can play kitchen, serve food, and even cut the fruits and vegetables in half with this plastic magnetic set.
The pieces all come in a carrying case which makes it easy to play pretend anywhere and enjoy serving food to friends. This is a great addition if you have a kitchen set, and your child will continue to play with this through their 5th birthday.
Kids Bumper Cars (YES, BUMPER CARS)
These bumper cars not only made our best toys for 3-year-old boys list but also the best toy for two-year-olds and 4-year-olds. As a mom of 5, I can’t believe I am saying this but I actually recommend this toy, in fact, it is one of the most used toys in the household. First off, I was very skeptical of such a device roaming through my house let alone putting my child in it.
There are honestly endless laughs with these bumper cars. They have a rubber outside so they don’t scuff up any walls and a seatbelt so that your child is safely inside the vehicle. There is even a remote control, so if your child can’t grasp the controls, which they will do in no time, you can be the driver and just wheel them around.
Fisher-Price Skyway 2-in-1 Vehicle Racing Playset
This taller, tower-like structure is the perfect car ramp and teaches teamwork, sharing, and independent play. The set comes with two cars that fit down the ramps, but many other vehicles may fit as well.
Lovevery Play Kits
Set on finding a toy that will actually catch your little one’s attention? I know how hard it can be to find actually good toys, which is why I have fallen in love with Lovevery Play Kits. They take all the guesswork out and deliver a box of toys meant for your child’s specific developmental stage.
Rocket Ship Tent
The Rocket Ship Play Tent is a fun toy for a private space to play and pretend. The tent is easy to set up, easy to put away. and has a small footprint so it works well in any room, from playroom to family space. Kids will have fun playing pretend or using this to enjoy other toys as well. It’s a great option for a fun-themed sleepover, even if it’s just a night with mom or dad.
Crayola Color and Erase Mat
The Crayola Color and Erase Mat is essentially a big erasable canvas that encourages your child’s imagination. When your little artist is through, simply wipe the mat clean with a damp towel to return it to its original state. In contrast to some of the other doodle mats we’ve tested, it truly wipes all the way down and doesn’t leave smudges.
A 32″ x 23″ Reusable Drawing Mat, 6 Washable Markers, and 1 Wipe Cloth are included in the kit. The mat rolls up effortlessly and has a place for each marker, making it convenient to store and transport.
Amazing Machines Book Set
The Amazing Machines Book Set is a collection of 10 picture books with interesting themes from rockets to digger trucks, tractors, and other vehicles. This is a great option for curious 3 year olds with an interest in machines or vehicles and is a way to spend time together reading and learning. Make reading together a fun and educational way to bond!
Bowling Friends
This indoor bowling game will help young children learn about teamwork, taking turns, and working together to play. The Bowling Friends set has six animal-themed pins, one ball for easy setup, and a carrying case for keeping all the pieces together. Turn any hallway or large indoor space into your child’s private bowling alley.
Duplo Train Set
One creative toy option is the Duplo Train Set. Children can build their own train and put it on the track to make a stop and pick up a friend. This small set has an engine with one car and there are lights and sounds to make the final product more interactive. It is a great first train set and might just inspire a lifelong love of building.
Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks
This is one of my favorite, new STEM toys! These magnetic foam blocks are easy to stack and build with because of the way they click together. Your little one will be able to construct magnificent structures with these blocks while also learning about shapes and colors.
Plus, they can be used as bath toys as well!
Dinosaur Take-Apart Toys
For those who like to build things, the Dinosaur Take Apart Toys are another great toy. This kit allows you to build six different dinosaurs using plastic pieces and a toy screwdriver and wrench. Children can practice building or fixing and use the final product in everyday play.
Pull Back Vehicles
Young boys tend to gravitate towards cars, trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles. These Pull Back Vehicles allow children to drive their own vehicles with a simple pull-back mechanism. They can get creative by adding these vehicles to their own towns or playmats or using everyday objects as roads.
Magna Tiles Safari Animals
These building blocks have taken the toy market by storm over the last few years and this safari-themed set is perfect for 3-year-olds. The set includes adorable magnetic animals that your little one can build different environments for. Plus, Magna Tiles are great for problem-solving skills which are important for developing toddlers.
VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
The VTech Smart Shots Sports Center brings all the fun outdoor sports inside with a basketball hoop and soccer goal. This toy keeps score, has sounds and lights, and teaches your 3-year-old about teamwork and fun competition with interactive elements throughout.
PAW Patrol Big Truck Pups Truck Stop HQ with Vehicle
Have a big Chase or Skye fan living under your roof? Well then, this PAW Patrol play set would make the perfect gift. It has lights and sounds that will make your little one feel like they are right in their favorite show.
Kids Ball Pit, Tent, and Tunnel
Another great active toy is the Kids Ball Pit, Tent, and Tunnel set. This pop-up activity center brings the fun indoors with a tent, tunnel, and ball pit to crawl through. Each end also has interactive games from tossing balls and taking the ball pit to the next level. It’s easy to assemble and stores nicely.
VTech KidiBeats Drum Set
Musical toys are a staple for any age, but the VTech KidiBeats Drum Set lets children feel like they’re playing the real thing. With three drums and two symbols, this toy has a realistic design and makes various drum noises with plenty of buttons. There are 4 settings that range from free play to letters, numbers, and follow-the-lights drumming.
Remote Control Car with Music
Boys seem to be curious about how things work and how to make things go, so a remote control car is a great toy for this age. This Remote Control Car with Music is designed for toddlers and younger kids with a steering wheel remote and buttons on the car that make noise and play music.
VTech Tote and Go Laptop
The VTech Tote and Go Laptop is a great interactive learning toy. With 20 different activities children can begin to learn words, spelling, shapes, and logic. This is a pre-school type toy and definitely has some grow with me potential as the child develops from age 3 into ages 4 and 5.
Hide & Seek Poopy
Yup, you heard that right. I saw this at our local Target and said no, then of course my husband grabbed it. Our 3 year old loves it. The way the game works is colorful poop emoji gets hidden by mom or dad and then it gives clues for your little one to find it.
Once they find the poopy, he sings a little song which made my 3 year old giggle endlessly. I can’t believe I am saying this but silly poopy is definitely one of the best toys for 3 year old boys.
You Might Also Enjoy:
Best Toys for 1 Year Olds: [15 Choices] that Parents & Babies Will Love!
Best Toys for 2 Year Old Boys [20 Great Toys Your Toddler Boy Will Love]
Pin for Later: The Best Toys for 3 Year Old Boys!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 3 year old boys playing with?
When you are choosing toys for your 3 year old it’s important to select things that keep their attention, help them continue to develop, and get them eager to learn. Here are some of my top picks:
– LCD WRITING TABLET DOODLE BOARD
– LOVEVERY PLAY KITS
– DINOSAUR TAKE APART TOYS
– VTECH SMART SHOTS SPORTS CENTER
– VTECH KIDIBEATS DRUM SET
What is a popular toy for a 3 year old?
Some popular options are:
– LCD WRITING TABLET DOODLE BOARD
– LOVEVERY PLAY KITS
– DINOSAUR TAKE APART TOYS
– VTECH SMART SHOTS SPORTS CENTER
– VTECH KIDIBEATS DRUM SET
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